Do You Need A Chiminea? Absolutely!

Snuggle up to your very own patio fireplace.

Do you need a chiminea? Only if you want a wonderfully cozy atmosphere on your patio. Chimineas are outdoor fire pits which add elegance and grandeur to backyards and patios. They look like old-fashioned stoves with a long chimney top and come in a variety of styles, from models with contemporary clean lines to cast iron chimineas with ornate detailing.  An outdoor chiminea on your patio extends the usefulness of you outdoor living space earlier in the spring and later in the fall.

What Is a Chiminea?

Outdoor chimineas are made from a number of different materials, including:

• Clay Chimineas
• Copper Chimineas
• Cast Iron Chimineas
• Cast Aluminum Chimineas

Some of these are better than others. While a clay chiminea might be incredibly attractive they tend not to be very durable. Furthermore, a clay chiminea requires a lot of constant care.

You might consider buying a cast aluminum or a cast iron chiminea instead of clay. With some minor maintenance, these outdoor chimineas will last much longer. A whole is cut out of their round bottom portions, through which you view the fire and add fuel. Also, outdoor chimineas have a short chimney that directs the smoke up and away from you and your guests.

Remember, despite their appearance, outdoor chimineas are for outdoor use only and should never be used for burning wood indoors.

You will want to position your outdoor chiminea a safe distance from anything combustible, and remember the smoke will rise through the chimney, so be aware of what is above it.

After you have it positioned, it is important to insulate the bowl so the fire is not directly against the surface. Add sand or pea stone to the bowl until it is about 4 inches below the lower lip of the mouth. Next, place two bricks on their side about 6 inches apart. The bricks will keep the wood elevated.

The first fire you set in your outdoor chiminea should be small in order to season the material. You can burn any type of wood normally burned in an indoor fireplace.

If you do not plan to use your outdoor chiminea during the cold winter months, it's best to store it in your garage or shed.

So, if you are asking yourself the question "Do You Need A Chiminea?" I think that the obvious answer is "Absolutely".